East Middle School Heads To State School Building Authority

BRAINTREE, MA — The proposed East Middle School renovation will be reviewed by the Massachusetts School Building Authority.

The school committee voted to approve the submission Monday night, sending the project to the state authority for a full review, according to the Patriot Ledger.

A decision from the state on whether or not to fund the project is expected in June. If approved, the state would pick up about half the tab for the $83.1 million project.

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• No Debt Exclusion Needed for East Middle School Renovation: Mayor Sullivan
• What Could a Renovated East Middle School Look Like?

Mayor Joseph Sullivan said at a recent meeting that a temporary tax increase known as a debt exclusion will not be needed to pay for the project. He said that $1 million will be set aside in each of the the next three fiscal years to help pay for the estimated $60 million project. Funds which are currently being used to pay off other debts will also be used.

School officials have said in the past that the school will be essentially new by the end of the project. The school will be split into two academies - one for fifth and sixth grade students and the other for seventh and eight grade students.

A learning common is expected to be built in the courtyard between the two school wings. The learning common will be connected to two academy commons.

Image via Braintree Public Schools